Christopher Columbus was more confident than others about his ability to sail westward primarily because he relied on several key beliefs and knowledge advantages:
- Columbus used Bible-based calculations to estimate that Asia was only about 3,000 miles west of Europe, a much shorter distance than the actual one, which made the voyage seem feasible to him compared to other explorers who had more accurate but much larger estimates of Earth's size and distances.
- He chose a strategic route starting from Palos, Spain to the Canary Islands, then sailing westward using knowledge of the Atlantic trade winds (northeast trade winds) to aid his journey. This was a well-chosen route that avoided the headwinds others encountered near the Azores, a known westernmost point before the voyage, making his navigation more effective and efficient.
- Columbus combined his navigational skills and some understanding of Atlantic wind patterns (though imperfect at the time) with a strong spiritual conviction, believing that God guided and opened his mind to the possibility of reaching the Indies by sailing west. This spiritual confidence bolstered his resolve amid uncertainty and hardships.
- The route Columbus selected proved historically effective, as it has stood the test of time for sailing west from southern Europe to North America, indicating his application of reason and existing knowledge contributed to his confidence.
In essence, Columbus's confidence stemmed from a mix of optimistic miscalculations about geography, strategic use of wind knowledge for the Atlantic crossing, and a deep spiritual belief that divine guidance would support his mission, setting him apart from others who were more cautious or knowledgeable about the risks and distances involved.
